For many restaurantgoers, dining out is a mere one or two-hour experience, a time hurriedly cut out amidst one’s busy schedule to refuel for the workday, catch up with a friend or celebrate another milestone. Guests correlate their favorite spots with a specific part of the day — ”oh, that’s a really good breakfast place” — to be visited during a certain hour. Barlume reimagines these conventions, offering an all-day experience that allows a morning espresso to melt into a mid-day refresher to an evening cocktail. The newly-minted restaurant, nestled in the lively Flatiron district of New York City, combines flavors of the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera and Costa Brava to offer a Southern European menu infused with the city’s own energy.
Barlume’s free-spirited approach to all-day dining doesn’t allow for the traditional culinary space, either. The tri-level setup gives each menu the moment it deserves, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in distinctive environments based on the time of day. The Café emulates the warmth of a well-kept greenhouse with earthy tones and natural textures. The aroma of Aneri espresso and house-made pastries welcomes guests as they enter, coaxing them to the 20-seat bar crafted with Arabescato Vagli marble. As if encouraging guests to slip off their coat and settle in with a spritz, the space transitions into a spirited wine bar with ease.
Accompanying the Café is the Dining Room, excluding a warm luxury that makes a quick meal feel like a brief resort stay. Spearheaded by Chef Juan Vazquez, the restaurant bursts with coastal-inspired flavors that range from modest sharables to family-style feasts. Guests can indulge in seafood, house-made pasta and bread and imported charcuterie, as if the Italian countryside was a few steps out the backdoor.
Perhaps Barlume’s namesake — meaning “glitter” in Italian — is best captured by the hidden escape located on the bottom level, Barlume Downstairs. The cocktail bar exudes an elusive intimacy, while maintaining the energy of classic New York nightlife. Over after-work cocktails or impromptu engagements, visitors can savor light bites and expertly-crafted drinks. The Salon, Barlume Downstairs’ private dining space, also accommodates up to 25 guests for a personal, but elevated, gathering.
Like all LDV Hospitality spots, Barlume’s atmosphere is grounded by “La Dolce Vita” — “the good life” — that encourages the community and camaraderie unique to extraordinary dining experiences. The restaurant's all-day charm and authentic environment encourages guests to not just stop by for a quick bite, but sit and savor the people around them.